What Is the Central Digital Platform and Why Was It Introduced?
The Central Digital Platform launched in February 2025 and is now a requirement when applying for new public sector contracting opportunities. The platform records commonly used information required as part of the tender process, helping to reduce administration and increase efficiencies across multiple bids.
The platform is part of the Find a Tender service, a searchable directory where public sector buyers publish their procurement notices. If you are new to procurement and have not yet registered on Find a Tender, you may be overlooking valuable contracting opportunities in your area.
Learn about how you can register on Find a Tender and the Central Digital Platform here
Keep Your Information Updated to Stay Compliant
While the Central Digital Platform offers greater convenience in the tendering process, it is important to recognise that it is not a ‘set and forget’ exercise, as information can change over time. It is therefore essential to ensure your information on the Central Digital Platform remains up to date.
When registering on the platform, you will have the option to add users to your account. It is important that these accounts remain current, ensuring contact information is correct and promptly removing access for individuals no longer requiring it.
Basic information should also be reviewed to ensure that key contact information remains current, for example contact email addresses, the postal address and registered address.
If there are any changes to the legal status of your organisation, for example, registering at Companies House or changes to the connected persons, this should also be updated on the Central Digital Platform to avoid any discrepancies with official records.
It is also good practice to schedule regular reviews of your information, particularly around key dates such as the publication of your latest annual accounts and the submission of your Companies House confirmation statement, to keep your financial and registered information up to date
Showcase Your Credentials to Stand Out in Tenders
As part of your supplier information, the Central Digital Platform allows you to record details of any qualifications and trade assurances your organisation holds, with no limit on the number you can enter.
This presents a good opportunity to evidence best practice and compliance. For example, you can share your CQC rating and details of key standards such as ISO accreditation, the Gold Standards Framework, or Investors in People. Additionally, you may wish to highlight other frameworks or commitments, such as being a Disability Confident employer or adhering to specific Local Authority standards. By comprehensively detailing this information, you can effectively showcase your organisation’s strengths to potential public sector buyers.
Preparing for Success
Once you have submitted your tender using you CDP, you will then need to wait for the evaluation process to take place. Usually, you can find the date that you will be notified of the results in the Invitation to Tender document.
As there can be some time between the submission of your tender and the outcome, it is a good idea revisit your tender documentation before the award date so that you can prepare should you be successful.
If your tender is successful, you will be notified of the outcome, and the tender will then go through a standstill period – this is typically 10 days.
Once the standstill period has ended, you will then be invited to sign the contract and it is at this point, you will need to implement your mobilisation plan, arranging staffing and resources so that you are ready to deliver on the agreed service commencement date.
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Navigating the landscape of public sector procurement, including the introduction of the Central Digital Platform, can be complex. At Insequa, our social care experts collectively possess over 140 years of social care experience, specialising exclusively in social care bid management. We are dedicated to helping organisations create compelling and compliant tenders that highlight their capabilities as a provider
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